Despite daters wanting to meet in person, online dating isn't going anywhere. That means that you might meet your future partner in cyberspace — and you won't keep their attention if you don't know how to talk to them. Or, more specifically, how to flirt with them.Much has been written on the art of seduction because flirting is intimidating. This was the case before dating apps and the onset of the pandemic, but now in 2025, the concept of chatting up a stranger can be more intimidating than ever before. We fear being cringe, being judged, and getting rejected.  SEE ALSO: The best dating apps of 2025 to cure your 'app fatigue' There's no way around that: those are possibilities. But to ease the anxiety of showing your peacock feathers online, we asked the experts for advice on how to do it.How to flirt over textFirst, we need an understanding of what flirting actually is, said Laurie Mintz, Ph.D., author of Becoming Cliterate and sexpert for sex toy brand LELO. Citing Psychology Today, Mintz said that flirting is a time-honored way of signaling interest and attraction to another person. Someone can do so in small increments, so both people can gauge how interested the other is.Historically, flirting was all about body language (like whether someone smiles or leans into you) or verbal cues (like playful banter). The internet can strip those factors away, but that doesn't mean that it's completely changed the way we signal interest in someone. Flirting has and continues to occur both live and in person, and asynchronously, former sociologist for Tinder and Bumble, Dr. Jess Carbino, told Mashable."Letter writing was historically a dominant mode of asynchronous communication that served as a mechanism to flirt until the early part of the 21st century," she pointed out. "Asynchronous" means not happening at the same time. In the days of old, someone would write a letter and might only get a response weeks or months later. Now, when flirting is staggered like that, it's usually over text or an app — which means it's instantaneous. "While individuals could and certainly do take time to respond, historic forms of interpersonal communication that was asynchronous [lent] themselves more to strategy and consideration," Carbino said.So, how can we flirt both out of sync and in real time?The key is using words to give compliments, playful banter, and references to being available, Mintz said. She recommends starting out with an open-ended question about something on their profile, or pointing out something you noticed on it. For example: "I notice a lot of your pics are with your dog!" Establish that you want to get to know them, and take note of any common interests. You can also share your own interests, too.Mintz suggested keeping the tone light and fun and saving the deep talk for in-person. Use emoji and photos to show that you're interested.Relationship coach for politicized people and Ph.D. in human sexuality studies, Melissa Fabello, also told Mashable that well-placed punctuation and emoji can go a long way. "Flirting can be hard to do digitally because by its very definition, flirtation is about implication and suggestion. Without body language, that can be hard to pull off," she said. Use punctuation, emoji, and gifs to get your tone across. Also: the eggplant and water drop emoji aren't suggestive, Fabello said, they're direct. Watch out for mismatched live and online flirting styles, Carbino said. For example, someone who's a more polite flirt in person might be emboldened by an online medium to engage differently. When they're flirting IRL, their politeness could potentially lead to mixed signals. Should I use ChatGPT to flirt?For years now, some people have relied on large language models like ChatGPT to flirt for them by generating messages to matches. But both Mintz and Fabello told Mashable that being authentic and truly yourself when flirting is important."You want the other person to be interested in you, not a false persona," Mintz said.Fabello advised having a strong sense of who you are and what you want to explore — or at least as strong as possible. "Being performative or faking it sets up an unhelpful dynamic for if and when you two are actually naked," she said.Ask yourself: "What are your sexual desires and boundaries? What is your comfort [level] with IRL dirty talk?"ChatGPT won't have those answers for you. As Fabello put it, sexting starts with your relationship with yourself.Fabello also advises against forcing digital flirting if it's not your thing. If you can't be your true self over text, that's OK. Some people feel more comfortable expressing themselves in person. What about flirting with nudes?Nudes are an art form, said Fabello. Think of them as such and get creative."I promise that every woman in the world has received a photo of a penis from that exact angle in that same lighting with that same setting," she said. You don't have to send standard dick pics (and, it should go without saying, but you should never send them unsolicited). Ask yourself how audio and visuals can entice someone, rather than leave nothing to the imagination. If you need more tips, Mashable has a guide on taking nudes and how to store your nudes safely.More digital flirting tipsDon't be afraid to take a risk, Fabello said. As long as you're not pushing or crossing boundaries — and you're open to your flirting partner saying you have — step outside your comfort zone."Say the sweet or sexy thing that you want to express. You might be surprised at how they respond," Fabello said.And know this will get easier over time. Especially if you meet in person (more on that below), you'll get to know this person and know what they respond to over text. And if you move on to someone else, you'll have more flirting practice under your belt.And if someone you're talking to seems dull, it could just be that they're not comfortable flirting online. It might still be worth giving a date a shot, Fabello said.How to flirt in personUnless you want an online-only relationship (power to you!), the time will come when you meet IRL. "Don't keep talking online forever — eventually make it clear that you'd like to meet in person," said Mintz.When the COVID vaccine became widely available, Mashable wrote about how to flirt in person again, and the top tips weren't much different than online flirting:Don't worry about being interesting (aka, be yourself)Acknowledge that dating comes with risk — and that's OKFlirting is ultimately about sending that signal of interest, whether from a feather-tip pen or your fingertips. It can be nerve-racking, but don't let that stop you.

Collecting Pokémon cards has always been more than chasing the most expensive grails. For me, it’s about the stories, the memories, and the way each card reflects a piece of the Pokémon journey — that goes for a promo given out at a movie theater or a chase card that had collectors battling bots to secure. Prices rise and fall, but the attachment we form to these cards is what really cements their value.Over the years I’ve built a collection that balances nostalgia, playability, and some serious collector heat. Here are my top 10 cards, ranked from the most affordable to the crown jewel of my binder. Alongside their pricing history, I’ll explain why each one has a permanent spot in my collection.10. Latios - 203/191 (Surging Sparks) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company Current price: $29 | Market price: $29.46 | Last sold: $29Latios Illustration Rare is a stunning example of how modern sets are leaning hard into collector-driven artwork. Part of a twinned art set with Latias ex SIR, this card initially launched at over $40 back in late 2024 but has since settled comfortably at $29. That’s still impressive for an Illustration Rare, which often don’t hold value unless tied to fan-favorite Pokémon. The twin artwork connection makes this card special, and I love how it displays when paired with Latias — together they feel like two halves of a single story.9. Mew Black Star Promo 9 Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company Current price: $56.50 | Market price: $56.49 | Last sold: $36.89This WotC-era promo was originally handed out at Pokémon League events in April 2000, making it one of the earliest promotional releases. Its Devolution Beam attack is quirky, and Ken Sugimori’s artwork cements its nostalgic feel. Price-wise, it climbed from $40.72 to $61.21 between February and March and is now holding steady around $55. For me, this card isn’t just about the value; it’s about holding a slice of Pokémon TCG history, back when promos were events in themselves.8. Mew Black Star Promo 47 (Lillypad Mew) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company Current price: $68.70 | Market price: $68.62 | Last sold: $65.90The Lillypad Mew is one of those cards that feels almost mythical among collectors. With its Neutral Shield Pokémon Power and adorable artwork, it became a fan favorite and was even reprinted in X and Y Evolutions. For years it hovered around $45–$50, but it’s seen a steady climb since mid-2024, now nearing $70. The market is finally giving these old promos the recognition they deserve, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this one crack $100 soon. It’s a true piece of Pokémon promo history.7. Charizard VSTAR SWSH262 Promo Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company Current price: $72.93 | Market price: $69.61 | Last sold: $67.95Charizard always carries weight in the hobby, and this promo from the Ultra Premium Collection is no exception. What makes it even more iconic is that its twin artwork features Mewtwo from Crown Zenith, capturing an epic battle on cardboard. Last year this card could be had for around $15, but since then it’s skyrocketed past $70. For a Charizard chase card, that’s still relatively affordable, and it feels like one of those promos that only gets more desirable as time goes on.6. Ancient Mew Promo Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company Current price: $84.98 | Market price: $90.78 | Last sold: $99.95For anyone who grew up with Pokémon, Ancient Mew is pure nostalgia. Distributed to moviegoers at Pokémon the Movie 2000, it features runic text and a unique card back never used again in the TCG. Values have bounced around recently, with a big spike from $60 to over $90 last year, now plateauing at about $85. It’s not tournament legal, but that doesn’t matter — this is a card that embodies the magic of the early days of Pokémon, and one that will always draw eyes when you flip through a binder.5. Rayquaza VMAX TG20/TG30 (Silver Tempest Trainer Gallery) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company Current price: $135 | Market price: $118.55 | Last sold: $65.68Rayquaza is one of the most beloved legendaries in Pokémon history, and its Silver Tempest Trainer Gallery VMAX card is a stunning showcase. Starting at just under $40 in late 2024, it doubled by Jan and has only gone up since, hitting $135 today. With its powerful Azure Pulse ability and flashy artwork, this card captures everything people love about Rayquaza. Silver Tempest has become a set to watch, and cards like this are leading the charge.4. Mewtwo VSTAR GG44/GG70 (Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company Current price: $199 | Market price: $208.80 | Last sold: $199.99Having Mewtwo and Charizard locked in battle on a single card was always going to be a hit. This Crown Zenith chase card started around $50 in Sept 2024 and more than doubled in early 2025, now pushing $200. It’s part of a twin artwork pairing with Charizard VSTAR, and the combination makes both cards more desirable. For me, this one represents the perfect crossover of nostalgia and modern collector demand.3. Latias ex - 239/191 (Surging Sparks) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company Current price: $189 | Market price: $175.76 | Last sold: $175.99Latias ex Special Illustration Rare has been a rollercoaster ride in terms of value. It peaked at $264 in late 2024 before dropping as low as $150 when Surging Sparks product flooded the market, and now it’s back up around $189. What makes this card special is its twinned art with Latios IR, forming a display-worthy duo. Beyond that, Latias is a fan favorite, and its Skyliner ability adds a touch of playability. This is one of those cards that feels undervalued in the long run.2. Greninja ex - 214/167 (Twilight Masquerade) Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company Current price: $342.44 | Market price: $346.17 | Last sold: $320.72Greninja is easily one of the most popular starters of the modern era, and its Special Illustration Rare from Twilight Masquerade has been nothing short of wild in terms of market movement. After climbing as high as $410 earlier this year, it dipped to $260 before rebounding to over $340. Graded 10 copies are approaching $1,000, which is insane for a modern card. The artwork, the competitive relevance, and the fanbase make this a must-have.1. Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat 085 Promo Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company Current price: $700.78 | Market price: $492.50 | Last sold: $699.99This is the crown jewel of my collection. The so-called “Van Gogh Pikachu” caused chaos when it was released at the Van Gogh x Pokémon exhibit, and later through Pokémon Center orders. What started at under $100 a year ago has exploded to nearly $700 today, with no signs of slowing down. It’s not just about scarcity — it’s about the cultural crossover between Pokémon and art. This is one of those cards that transcends the TCG and destined to hit $1,000 sooner rather than later.

Stephen Colbert returned to The Late Show on Tuesday, fresh from a standing ovation and the first Emmy the show has ever won (seriously, how?).After dedicating the award for Outstanding Talk Series to his staff, from the production team to the writers, The Late Show band to wardrobe, thanking the viewers, and shouting out his fellow nominees Jon Stewart and Jimmy Kimmel, Colbert reminded the audience of one person who hasn't got one of these shiny awards."Speaking of Emmys, Donald Trump doesn't have one," said Colbert, and he's accurate — the former reality TV star's show The Apprentice has won zero Emmy Awards, constantly losing to The Amazing Race and prompting Trump to play the "rigged" card. When Colbert hosted the 2017 Emmy Awards, he roasted the newly elected president. SEE ALSO: John Oliver gleefully fantasises about Jimmy Kimmel beating Stephen Colbert at the Emmys In July, The Late Show host announced that CBS had cancelled his show the same week he'd accused parent company Paramount of paying a "big fat bribe" to Trump. The president responded, "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired."

SAVE OVER $100: As of Sept. 17, the Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV is on sale for $416.99 at Amazon. This is $133 off its list price of $549.99. Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-Inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K UHD TV $416.99 at Amazon $549.99 Save $133 Get Deal The next big wave of sale events are on the horizon — kicking off with Prime Big Deal Days in October — but that doesn't mean there aren't any good deals worth checking out right now. Even ahead of its next sale, Amazon's offering some excellent discounts, including on TVs. If you've been looking for an upgrade, the Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV has dropped back to its best-ever price.The Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV is currently marked down to $416.99. This is 24% off its usual list price of $549.99, saving you $133 in total. Again, it also marks its lowest price yet, so now is as good a time as any to get your hands on it. SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this easy TV specs guide No matter if you're using it for a movie night, gaming, or to binge-watch a TV show, this Hisense TV boasts excellent picture quality for you to enjoy thanks to 4K resolution and QLED Color to make every scene look vibrant and rich. It also comes with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos to further elevate the picture and sound, and it even features Filmmaker Mode for movie fans looking to watch their favorites with the settings the filmmaker intended.It's also smart. So if you're someone who frequently uses streaming services, this Hisense TV can keep everything in one convenient location for you.Don't miss out on this limited-time deal on the Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K TV at Amazon. And if you're looking to invest in an even bigger model, you can also save on the 85-inch Samsung Neo QLED right now at Amazon.

SAVE OVER $100: As of Sept. 17, the Aferiy Portable Power Station is on sale for $1,169.09 at Amazon. This is $129.91 off its list price of $1,299. Opens in a new window Credit: Aferiy Aferiy 3840Wh Portable Power Station $1,169.09 at Amazon $1,299 Save $129.91 Get Deal With Prime Big Deal Days officially announced for the start of October (Oct. 7 and Oct. 8, to be exact), Amazon is gearing up to drop a new wave of deals for shoppers. Thankfully, there are already some great deals available ahead of the sale event. If you've been on the hunt for a portable power station to take on camping trips this year, this limited-time discount on the Aferiy Portable Power Station is worth a look.Usually listed for $1,299, the Aferiy Portable Power Station is currently marked down to $1,169.09. This saves you $129.91 and marks a return to its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. It won't last much longer, as this limited-time deal has a timer counting down through the rest of Sept. 17, so you'll want to act fast to grab it at this price. SEE ALSO: Get $1,000 off the new Bluetti Solar Generator Apex 300 with this Amazon coupon The Aferiy Portable Power Station is packed with a 3840Wh LiFePO4 battery and 3600W AC output. It also comes with 15 output ports: five AC outlets, two USB-A, four USB-C, two DC5521, one car socket, and one XT60 port. No matter if you're taking it out camping or using it as backup power, this portable power station can keep your favorite devices charged up.This deal only lasts through the rest of Sept. 17, so don't miss out on the Aferiy Portable Power Station back to its best price. And if you're looking to spend a little less on a portable power station, this deal on the DJI Power 1000 portable power station is well worth a look.

In 2025, a pair of headphones or earbuds is pretty much non-optional. That's why there are hundreds of different headphones and earbuds in varying shapes, sizes, styles, colors, and, of course, prices. And these days, you can grab a random pair off the digital shelf without too much research and find that they do the job just fine. SEE ALSO: Want open earbuds that stay put and sound great? Check these 3 picks out during Prime Day. However, if you're tired of settling for "just fine", then it's worth investing in the best headphones available. Through hours and hours of listening, we sorted and tested dozens of headphones to find the very best models, from the newly-released Sony XM6 headphones to old favorites from Bose, Beats, and Apple. How to choose the best headphonesWe won't beat around the bush: There's no definitive "best" product here. Sure, elite audio brands put out high-quality products across the board, but even within each of those brands, you'll find different tiers of products. Some will deliver better value, and some will deliver better hardware and active noise cancellation.All this to say, the best pair of earbuds or headphones largely comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use them. Some listeners swear by over-ear headphones, while others prefer the minimalism of earbuds — one is not necessarily better than the other. Athletes who like to use headphones at the gym will appreciate waterproof materials and the best open earbuds, while frequent fliers will prefer devices with long battery life, comfort, and portability. Finally, music lovers and audiophiles will want to invest in premium features like a custom equalizer, spatial audio, or best-in-class active noise cancellation.To help you pick your pair, we tested all of the headphones in this guide (and a lot that didn't make the cut). Here, you'll find the top headphones of 2025 for noise cancellation, music, price, and wired connections. What about wired headphones?We focused primarily on the best wireless headphones for this guide. While wired headphones have their fans, wireless headphones are just more convenient for most of us. If we had to pick, we'd recommend the Marshall Mode earbuds as our top wired pick. Some of us are also fans of Apple's EarPods.Other headphones we've testedMost recently, we tested the JBL Tour One M3 headphones and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC, and we may add them to this guide in a future update. We also tested the Marshall Major V headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones, both of which had excellent sound profiles and easy-to-navigate custom equalizers on their companion apps. Ultimately, they didn't make the cut on our final list for a couple of reasons. With the Major V headphones, we love that their claim of 100+ hours of battery life held up under our testing, but we found them to get uncomfortable after a couple of hours. We also would have appreciated ANC at their $149 price point. For the B&W headphones, we loved their design and premium feel in addition to their truly impressive sound, but we found that their ANC was only so-so. If you're willing to spend $399, you can find a better balance of sound and ANC in the Sony XM5 headphones.We've also tested the Sonos Ace headphones and Dyson OnTrac headphones. And while we loved them both for sound quality and noise cancellation, they fare in the way of AirPods Max — left out of our recommendations for their high price points.In the testing pipelineFor our future updates, we're testing out more budget noise-cancelling earbuds and headphones.

In the olden days, cellular data was slow and prohibitively expensive, forcing people to frantically search for Wi-Fi spots when away from home (it's one of the early reasons why Starbucks got popular; every venue had a working Wi-Fi hotspot back in the early aughts). This is no longer the case. Personally, I almost never bother with Wi-Fi because the data plan on my phone allows me to do serious work on the go without ever worrying about the data expenditure. Apple must've realized that, which is why the company introduced a small but important option in macOS Tahoe 26: You can now set your Mac to automatically join an iPhone hotspot (via MacRumors). To do so, go to Settings - Wi-Fi - and under "Ask to join hotspots" you can now choose between "Never," "Ask To Join," and "Automatic" (Previously, you could only set "Ask to join hotspots" to on or off). The same feature is also preset on iPadOS 26, and is equally useful there. SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Watch Ultra 2: What are the differences? As someone who works on the go very often, it's annoying to have to manually approve joining a hotspot every time I wanted to go online (which is always). And as I have to slog through dozens of (largely unnecessary) manual approvals (I'm looking at you, EU cookie directive) every day, I'm grateful that I have one less to worry about.

Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. Like dominoes, the tiles are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match. SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 17, 2025 The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces. SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 17, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 17 PipsEqual (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 5-1, placed horizontally.Number (9): Everything in this space must add to 9. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 3-0, placed vertically; 3-1, placed horizontally.Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed vertically.Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.Medium difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 17 PipsNumber (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.Number (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically.Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed vertically.Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 3-2, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally.Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically.Number (8): Everything in this space must add to 8. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally.Hard difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 17 PipsNumber (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.Not Equal: Everything in this red space must be different. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 4-2, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically..Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically.Not Equal: Everything in this yellow space must be different. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 3-2, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed vertically; 0-0, placed vertically.Number (0): Everything in this green space must add to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.Number (0): Everything in this dark blue space must add to 0. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically.Not Equal: Everything in this purple space must be different. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 3-0, placed vertically.Number (0): Everything in this red space must add to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

FREE 10-PIECE MEAL: Until Oct. 5, Prime members can get a free 10-piece McNuggets meal with Grubhub+ in an early Prime Big Deal Days deal. Opens in a new window Credit: McDonald’s Free 10-piece McNuggets Meal with Grubhub+ Learn More It's official: Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days has been announced for Oct. 7-8. This event is still a long way off, but the retailer is already offering some nice deals for Prime members to jump on early. This includes a tasty offer with Grubhub+.Prime members can use their free Grubhub+ membership to score a free McDonald’s 10-piece Chicken McNuggets meal. This deal runs until Oct. 5, so what are you waiting for? SEE ALSO: Target announced dates for its fall Target Circle Week. Duh, it's during Prime Day. Activating this deal is a simple process. In order to take advantage of this offer, you'll need to sign up for a Prime membership and then activate your free Grubhub+ offer. After that, add the medium-sized 10-piece McNuggets meal to your cart alongside some other items that brings you up to the $20 minimum, then you're all set to eat for free.This offer only lasts until Oct. 5, so act fast to grab your free 10-piece McNuggets meal through Grubhub+. If you're curious how to join Prime to qualify for this offer, check out our guide on how to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans. Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media. SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for September 17, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:Yellow: Same stateGreen: Baseball locationsBlue: Same yearPurple: Same school Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:Yellow: California soccer teamsGreen: MLB stadium namesBlue: Sports movies of 1994Purple: LSU alumniLooking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.Drumroll, please!The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #359 is...What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayCalifornia soccer teams - ANGEL CITY, BAY FC, EARTHQUAKES, GALAXYMLB Stadium names - ANGEL, DODGER, GLOBE LIFE, ORACLESports movies of 1994 - ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD, BLUE CHIPS, LITTLE BIG LEAGUE, LITTLE GIANTSLSU alumni - CHASE, NABERS, REESE, SKENESDon't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025:AcrossMiddlingThe answer is So So.Attractive, muscular guyThe answer is Hunk.1/23/45 and 6/7/89The answer is Dates.Big name in flat-pack furnitureThe answer is IKEA. Job benefitThe answer is Perk.DownIce cream drinkThe answer is Shake.Word with space or BanksThe answer is Outer.Quarterback running playThe answer is Sneak.Signs off onThe answer is OKs.Buy the ___ (investing strategy)The answer is Dip.If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more. Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 17, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $149.95 at Amazon. That's a 25% savings on the list price. Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at Amazon $199.95 Save $50 Get Deal Smartwatches come in all shapes and sizes these days. There are models for runners, models for daily lifestyle tracking, and models for serious endurance athletes. This range also affects price, with some options for under $100 and others creeping towards $1,000. If you're looking for something in the middle of this range, the market can be daunting.That's why I love the Fitbit Versa 4. It does a bit of everything, and it does it well. And you don't need to break the bank now it's on sale at Amazon. SEE ALSO: I'm a Garmin girl, but the Fitbit Sense 2's Body Response sensor could sway me As of Sept. 17, you can save $50 on the Versa 4 at the new price of $149.95. This price is for the black and waterfall blue colors, but for $30 more, you can get the pink sand watch. This watch is touchscreen-controlled. The screen is responsive and bright (thanks to the AMOLED display), so it's easy to understand. If you're looking to track sports and activities on this watch, there are over 40 sports tracking modes to consider. These include running, swimming, cycling, and general workout features. If you're hoping to do long-distance activities with this watch, I've found that the battery life isn't as long-lasting as the likes of Garmin or Coros. For health and wellbeing tracking, you'll have access to heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS. You'll also get a daily Stress Management Score, as well as menstrual tracking. The watch also comes with a free six-month Premium membership. With this, you'll get access to even more personalized insights as well as guided programs and workouts. Save $50 with this Fitbit deal from Amazon.

The leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping, and tech companies are making their announcements every week — Autumn is here.Mark Zuckerberg will take the stage as part of Meta Connect, Meta's annual two-day developer conference focused on virtual reality, AR, the metaverse, and everything there is to know about the company's smart glasses. Zuckerberg will kick off the Sept. 17 event with a keynote at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET in which he "shares the latest on AI glasses and lays out Meta’s vision for artificial intelligence and the metaverse," according to Meta. The event is set to showcase AI glasses, and we just might get a glimpse at the long-anticipated Hypernova smart glasses, which are consumer-ready glasses with a display, according to CNBC. CNBC also reports that we might also see a much-rumored wristband "that will allow users to control the glasses with hand gestures." Tom's Guide reports that, in addition to the Hypernova smart glasses, the company could announce the details for the next-gen Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 and a new VR headset.On Sept. 18, the schedule includes a developer keynote at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET in which "executives across Meta" will talk about how their "latest technologies are creating opportunities for developers to build new experiences for people." Developer sessions, hosted by "leading developers and technologists" start at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET and include "sessions with deep dives on virtual reality at AI" plus "new tools for accelerating development."You can watch it all for yourself on Facebook Live by following the Meta for Developers page, or watch the keynote in Meta Horizon. If you want to make sure you don't miss anything, you can sign up for updates from Meta on their site.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is the number 1 movie in America. That sentence alone says as much about the rise of anime as it does about the film itself. Once dismissed as niche, Japanese animation is now commanding the kind of box office pull usually reserved for superheroes and live-action sequels. The Demon Slayer franchise — which began as a hit manga and anime series and has already spawned several successful films, including 2020's record-shattering Mugen Train — just notched its biggest win yet. Infinity Castle, the first in a planned trilogy adapting the saga's climactic arc, raked in $70 million over its opening weekend, the largest debut for an anime film ever in North America. In Japan, it's shattered every record to become the highest-grossing film in the country’s history. Giyu’s composure masks the storm beneath. Credit: © Copyright_©Koyoharu Gotoge_SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable For the uninitiated, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons and his younger sister Nezuko is turned into one herself. Alongside allies like the skittish but fiercely loyal Zenitsu and the hotheaded Inosuke, Tanjiro joins the elite Demon Slayer Corps to hunt demons while searching for a cure for Nezuko. The film drops viewers straight into the action as Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps launch their final assault against Muzan Kibutsuji, the original demon and the story’s ultimate villain. The stakes are higher, the scale is bigger, and every fight feels like it could be the last — and for some beloved characters, it is. Anime isn't niche anymore.Anime's box office boom didn't happen overnight. The groundwork was laid by decades of fandom: the cult art-house screenings of Akira and Ghost in the Shell in the '90s, Pokémon: The First Movie packing theaters with kids and their parents in 1999, and the steady critical embrace of Studio Ghibli classics throughout the 2000s and 2010s. But in the past five years, the shift has been seismic, with anime films more visible than ever in U.S. theaters. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2019) made over $30 million domestically, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2022) topped $35 million, and Suzume (2023) earned $11 million, while 2020's Demon Slayer: Mugen Train opened to $21 million and ultimately grossed $50 million — numbers Infinity Castle blew past in a single weekend. The global audience was already primed, and streaming only accelerated it. Channing Tatum joins the cast of "Demon Slayer" as the English voice of Keizo. Credit: Randy Shropshire / Getty Images for Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Aniplex Platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu have turned what was once an import subculture into everyday binge fodder, making shows like Demon Slayer accessible to anyone with a login. In the first half of 2025 alone, Netflix users streamed over 4.4 billion hours of anime content, and that number is growing far faster than most other genres. The streamer reports that "more than 50 percent of its members — amounting to over 150 million households, or an estimated 300 million viewers — now watch anime," via The Hollywood Reporter, with viewership tripling over the last five years. And among Gen Z in the U.S., anime is a weekly routine: roughly 42 percent say they watch anime every week, surpassing viewership for some major sports like the NFL. Social media did the rest, with clips, edits, and memes spreading battles and characters far beyond anime fandom's traditional borders. Infinity Castle's success feels like the inevitable result of years of momentum: a fandom that had grown up, multiplied, and turned out en masse. It's an epic finale built for the big screen.There's also the fact that the film doesn't try to disguise its origins as the climax of a long-running series; instead, it dives headfirst into them, pulling audiences straight into battle with no hand-holding. That confidence is part of its appeal. For longtime fans, the movie plays like a finale arc turned IMAX spectacle — a reward for their investment in the series. But even for casual viewers, it delivers what modern blockbusters often promise and rarely sustain: heart-pulsing action laced with genuine feeling. Akaza, the Upper Rank Three demon, pushes Tanjiro and Giyu to their limits. Credit: © Copyright_©Koyoharu Gotoge_SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable Nowhere is that clearer than in the film's centerpiece battles. When Hashira (the elite demon slayers, each specializing in their own technique) Tanjiro and Giyu face the upper-rank demon Akaza, his speed and martial-arts precision collide with the unyielding flow of their blades. Zenitsu's clash with his former senpai Kaigaku cuts even deeper. Both trained under the tutelage of the late Thunder Hashira, a mentor Zenitsu revered as a grandfather, and their fight becomes a reckoning with betrayal and self-doubt. His victory is bittersweet, softened by a fleeting apparition of his teacher — a benediction for a boy who had never found faith in himself.Don't miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.And Shinobu, the Insect Hashira whose quiet grace masks steely resolve, makes a sacrifice that lands with the kind of emotional impact most franchises struggle to earn after a dozen films, let alone a single arc. For Shinobu, strength often comes wrapped in grace. Credit: © Copyright_©Koyoharu Gotoge_SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable Ufotable, the animation studio behind Demon Slayer, continues to push the boundaries of what theatrical anime can look like. The fight sequences are fluid and balletic, the backgrounds impossibly detailed, and the maelstrom of color and shadow — blades flashing midair, bodies cutting arcs through the shifting castle — is so dynamic it demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible. Beneath all the dazzle, though, lies the emotional spine that made Demon Slayer a global sensation in the first place: Tanjiro's compassion for the demons he's sworn to fight and the grief that propels the demon slayers forward, giving the action real weight. As action-packed as they may appear, these sequences are meditations on loss, love, and resilience.It's this combination of stunning visuals and heart-on-sleeve sincerity that sets Infinity Castle apart. Where Hollywood blockbusters increasingly lean on irony and self-referential quips, Demon Slayer doubles down on earnestness. It's not afraid to make you cry between the gasps and cheers, which might be why it translates so powerfully across cultures. Light, shadow, and motion converge in one of the film's most visually stunning sequences. Credit: © Copyright_©Koyoharu Gotoge_SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable For many viewers outside Japan, Demon Slayer was the gateway into anime during a time when audiences were more willing than ever to experiment with global media.The pandemic created the perfect conditions for Demon Slayer's sincerity to land. In 2019, the anime was already a breakout hit in Japan, but once lockdowns hit, Tanjiro's resilience resonated with a global audience hungry for connection. Streaming platforms made the series unavoidable, while social media turned it into an online obsession. By the time Mugen Train arrived in Japanese theaters at the end of 2020, breaking Spirited Away's decades-long box-office record, Demon Slayer had already become a generational juggernaut.A new kind of blockbusterInfinity Castle makes clear that anime has become a reliable source of theatrical events outside of Hollywood's superhero machinery. For further evidence, just look at GKIDS' annual Studio Ghibli Fest, a year-long program that consistently draws audiences back to theaters for limited-run screenings of beloved Ghibli classics. And while the superhero model increasingly relies on crossover sprawl, anime succeeds by being earnest. Demon Slayer bares its heart, trusting viewers to sit with the grief and catharsis at its core. That sincerity is what resonates: the idea that a fantasy about demon slayers can also be a story about empathy. Zenitsu takes a stand and unleashes a new form. Credit: © Copyright_©Koyoharu Gotoge_SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable Take Zenitsu's duel with Kaigaku. On the surface, it's another thunderclap of swordplay, but underneath it’s the clash of two apprentices shaped by the same master: one who squandered his training by grasping for power, and one who fulfills his potential at last. On the brink of death, Zenitsu drifts into a vision of his late mentor across a misty river, who tells him, simply: "You are my pride and joy." In that instant, the duel ends as something greater than triumph: the long-awaited moment when a boy who never believed in himself finally becomes the warrior his master believed he could be.This shift says as much about audiences as it does about the medium. In an era where Hollywood blockbusters often feel like content designed to fill out a franchise calendar, anime films are offering emotional payoffs that feel earned and visuals that look unlike anything else on screen. So, you could say Infinity Castle is the culmination of what anime has been building toward for years: proof that Japanese animation is no longer alternative cinema but a central part of global popular culture.Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is in theaters now.

TL;DR: Featured matches from the 2025 Ryder Cup are available to live stream for free on the official website and app. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.There really is nothing like the Ryder Cup. 24 of the best players in the world will come together to compete for Europe and the United States in match play competition. There are few other sporting events that can compete with the Ryder Cup when it comes to drama, so you best believe we'll be watching. Our plans are cancelled. Our schedule is clear. This is going to be special.If you want to watch the 2025 Ryder Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.What is the Ryder Cup?The Ryder Cup is a biennial men's golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States. The Ryder Cup involves match play competitions between players selected from two teams of 12. SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free The defending champions are Europe.When is the 2025 Ryder Cup?The 2025 Ryder Cup is the 45th edition of the event. This year's event takes place from Sept. 26–28 on the Black Course of Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York.How to watch the 2025 Ryder Cup for freeFeatured matches from the 2025 Ryder Cup are available to live stream for free on the official website and app.If you are unable to access these free live streams in your location, you may need to use a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can unblock free live streams on RyderCup.com from anywhere in the world. Live stream the 2025 Ryder Cup by following these simple steps:Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with accessVisit RyderCup.com Live stream the 2025 Ryder Cup for free from anywhere in the world Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (including money-back guarantee) Get Deal The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 Ryder Cup before recovering your investment.If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.What is the best VPN for live sport?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live golf, for a number of reasons:Servers in 105 countriesEasy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and moreStrict no-logging policy so your data is always secureFast connection speedsUp to eight simultaneous connections30-day money-back guaranteeA two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for only $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).Live stream the 2025 Ryder Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Want to write a book but don’t know where to start? YouBooks AI uses your input to generate a full-length manuscript, and it’s now only $49 (reg. $540) for lifetime access. Opens in a new window Credit: Youbooks Youbooks AI Non-Fiction Book Generator: Lifetime Subscription $49 $540 Save $491 Get Deal If you’ve ever had a nonfiction book idea gathering dust in your notes app — or a half-written manuscript sitting in a forgotten folder — YouBooks AI might be the jumpstart you’ve been looking for. For a limited time, a lifetime subscription is available for $49 (reg. $540), no ongoing fees or subscriptions required.Youbooks is an AI-powered nonfiction book generator designed to simplify the writing process. Whether you want to build authority in your niche, publish a business guide, create educational content, or even write a memoir, this tool helps turn concepts into structured, full-length books. SEE ALSO: Stuff Your Kindle Day is live until Sept. 20 — download free dark fiction books Here’s how it works: You input your book’s topic, select your tone and structure, and the AI generates a draft based on your preferences. You can choose formats like how-to guides, personal development books, or even narrative nonfiction. From there, you can revise, reorganize, and polish the content using the platform’s built-in editing tools.It also supports multiple languages and includes features like citation generation, automatic table of contents, and export options in both PDF and ePub, which is useful if you’re planning to distribute your book on platforms like Amazon Kindle or Gumroad. For creators, entrepreneurs, educators, or marketers who want to expand their reach with long-form content, Youbooks could be a smart tool to have in the mix.To be clear: this isn’t a replacement for deep research, fact-checking, or human editing. Like most generative AI tools, the output may need some cleanup. But if you’re looking for a way to overcome the blank page or quickly prototype book ideas, it offers real utility.Considering that ghostwriting services or developmental editors often run into the thousands, the current price makes this a relatively low-risk investment. Even if you only publish one book, the tool more than pays for itself.A Youbooks AI lifetime subscription is typically priced at $540 for lifetime access, but you can grab it now for just $49.StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: A lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is only $29.97 (reg. $229) through Oct. 5. Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97 $229 Save $199.03 Get Deal If you’re in the market for the most trusted name in productivity software, you’ve got choices. The latest and greatest version of Microsoft Office may get all the buzz, but Office Professional Plus 2019 still packs in everything most people actually use — and at a price that’s much easier to justify.For a limited time (through Oct. 5), you can grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for just $29.97 (reg. $229). That’s all the core apps, no recurring subscription fees, and instant access once you buy.This version is loaded with Microsoft’s most popular tools, slightly redesigned with smoother features and better cloud integration.Included apps:Word — Create polished documents with advanced formatting.Excel — New data analysis tools and charts make number-crunching easier.PowerPoint — Enhanced transitions and 3D model support for modern presentations.Outlook — Smarter email and contact management.OneNote — Take notes and organize ideas.Publisher — Make professional-looking flyers and brochures.Access — Manage databases with powerful tools.Sure, Microsoft Office 2024 exists — but this edition is still a workhorse. It has more apps than some newer versions, it runs fast, and once you buy it, it’s yours. No monthly bills, no account logins required, and no financial surprises.Get MS Office 2019 for just $29.97 (reg. $229) when you order through Oct. 5.StackSocial prices subject to change.

When it comes to sweeping heteronormative love stories, there are typically two categories: 1) The couple lives together, happily ever after, or 2) Their love ends tragically, potentially with a death or two. In Eternity, filmmaker David Freyne says "why not both?" with all the knowing cheek that meme reference implies. Freyne's screenplay, co-written with Patrick Cunnane, folds together these romantic drama tropes with a dash of Defending Your Life. Miles Teller stars as Larry, a devoted husband who spent 65 years making his wife, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen), happy. When he chokes on a pretzel, Larry ends up in the afterlife in a younger version of his body and eager to reconnect to his wife. But he's not the only one waiting on Joan. Also on the other side is her dashing first husband, Luke (Callum Turner), who died valiantly in "the war." (Which one? Well, that's a whole thing.) When Joan shows up in the afterlife, a new war brews between her two beaus, fighting for who she'll spend eternity with. The result is a chaotic and winsome comedy that's heartwarming fun. Eternity re-imagines the afterlife with plenty of irrelevance.  Credit: Leah Gallo / A24 Forget typical cinematic depictions of the pearly gates or Tim Burton's Beetlejuice dead-world weirdness. In Freyne's movie, the entrance to the afterlife looks like a train station and a doctor's waiting room had a boring baby. But that's precisely the point. White walls lead to white halls and on to unremarkable hotel rooms and a convention center, because this is not a place for staying but instead for making one big decision: What will your eternity look like? Once Larry arrives, he's connected with his afterlife counselor, Anna (Da'Vine Joy Randolph), who lays down the rules: He has to pick which destination he wants, and it's forever. No turning back. These eternal locales range from mountains to beaches, museums to outer space. There's even a 1930s Germany that's all decadence and cabaret and no Nazis! Or perhaps you'd prefer a Capitalist World? For the religious, there's an array of options allowing them to live out the afterlife they imagined. Credit: Leah Gallo / A24 These options mostly serve as background gags through posters and costumes, with overeager salespeople trying to score clients. Beyond that, however, there's the entertaining clash between Larry and Luke. Where Luke is suave, patient, and knows when to swoop in for a moment of chivalry, Larry is an impatient, cranky man in his mid-30s body. Where Luke might sweep Joan into his arms with an almost parody precision, Larry is giddy to show her their afterlife bodies allow them to squat again! No cracking knees or mobility issues! Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.Within this comparison, Cunnane and Freyne smartly play the romantic ideal of love against its everyday reality. Bringing the bubbly energy of a grandma given a new hip, Olsen is radiant as the love interest, but even better as the frustrated heroine torn between two very different men. Callum meets her in the sweeping romance tone, but is able to get down with Teller for some physical comedy/fighting. (The squatting bit is solidly funny.) However, it's Teller taking the brunt of the punchlines. All is fair in love and war, and for Larry, that means some low blows, including about the war that killed Luke! Da'Vine Joy Randolph and John Early are sublime as snarky sidekicks.  Credit: Leah Gallo / A24 Randolph, who's earned rave reviews for her turn in the drama The Holdovers and her hard-nosed detective in Only Murders in the Building, gets to be far sillier here. After eras of pointing the dead to their afterlives, Anna's become a bit jaded about her job. But seeing Larry and Joan's predicament, a fire ignites in her as she pulls for the underdog.Her professional rival, then, is Ryan (the director and star of TIFF standout Maddie's Secret, John Early). As Luke's afterlife counselor, the sharply ambitious Ryan has been waiting 67 years to see Luke and Joan reunited. He's not about to give up on them just because of some schlub named Larry. Within this subplot, Eternity offers a bit of petty office politics that the actors make a meal of. Beyond that, these supporting players are tasked with much of the film's exposition, but they are never weighed down. They smile, sneer, and soar, turning little moments into laugh-out-loud events. Randolph and Early push every moment onscreen to something outrageous and hilarious. Even the bland colors of their uniform (beige suits with white button-downs and a red tie), proves a sharp comedic contrast to the world around them. Brilliant in deep reds, greens, blues, and golds, the palette suggests a world where everything is better than real life; it's perfect. So many scenes of Eternity look like postcards, vivid and gorgeous. Looking at such views, it seems impossible to imagine there could be a wrong choice. But the same palette means that flushed cheeks and teary eyes are all the more radiant, displaying the pain of Elizabeth's choice with simple details. Altogether, Eternity delivers a charming parody of romantic comedies without mocking the viewers who love them. The conflict between two kinds of romantic love, and the two robust love interests on offer, makes for exciting tension. The wild spin of their stories leads to moments silly, sexy, and warm. Yet Eternity's afterlife backdrop allows for a slew of more provocative jokes to sneak through. The result is a rom-com that's smart, sensational, and swoon-worthy. Eternity was reviewed out of its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The movie opens in theaters Nov. 26.

Few things in cinema are as wonderful as Keanu Reeves playing a “dum-dum,” to use a term uttered by the angel he plays in Aziz Ansari’s feature directorial debut, Good Fortune.For more than 30 years, going back to films like Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, Reeves has offered a breezy surfer bro appeal that makes his dum-dums funny and deeply lovable. Even when playing smarter characters in Bram Stoker’s Dracula or The Matrix, Reeves permeates lines like “I know kung fu” with his authentic, child-like awe. And sure, we might laugh at him in the moment. But his characters are full of passion and goodwill, so while they are bewildered by the world around them, we are invited to share in that sense of surprise and wonder. SEE ALSO: 'Good Fortune' trailer: Keanu Reeves is a literal angel in Aziz Ansari's directorial debut And Good Fortune’s Gabriel the Angel, who Reeves plays with rich sincerity, is the actor at top form, in comedy and absurd authenticity. Be warned: Good Fortune could use more Keanu.  Credit: Eddy Chen / Lionsgate It should be noted, however, that this is just true of most movies. But if you watched Good Fortune’s trailer and thought the handsome angel in the trench coat was giving City of Angels main character vibes, you’re only half-right. The earnest guardian angel Gabriel does carry the film as if he’s its star, which is perhaps the unavoidable effect of casting Reeves. But the film itself is a two-hander following the life-swap comedy model of movies like Freakier Friday or Trading Places. And neither swapper is Gabriel. Instead, Ansari and Seth Rogen star as two men living very different lives in Los Angeles, all because of their income level. Educated but underemployed, Arj (Ansari) is subject to the whims of the gig economy, where he’s essentially DoorDashing and doing TaskRabbit chores to make ends meet. That’s going so well that he’s living out of his car.Meanwhile, Rogen plays Jeff, a tech bro living the good life in the Hollywood Hills complete with his own sauna and pool. The two cross paths and very nearly become friends, but an unexpected incident instead tosses Arj back on the street and worse off than before. Like It’s a Wonderful Life, our hero is on the brink of giving up when an angel appears.The thing is, Gabriel is not the kind of high-ranking angel who’s supposed to deal with lost souls. His low-level job (reflected by his small wing span) is to prevent people from texting while driving. In a well-meaning but decidedly dum-dum move, he decides to swap Arj and Jeff's lives to prove money wouldn’t solve all of Arj’s problems. But as Gabriel confesses to his annoyed high-angel manager Martha (Sandra Oh), money does solve most of Arj’s problems! Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.From there, Good Fortune pivots to Jeff, who is having A Christmas Carol–style awakening as supernatural intervention shows him what a rich, selfish Scrooge he’s become. Through this, Good Fortune digs into class politics, not going full “eat the rich,” but certainly calling out privilege and societal disadvantages that can get glossed over in talk of the American dream. Keanu Reeves outshines Aziz Ansari and Seth Rogen.  Credit: Eddy Chen / Lionsgate As in The Studio, recent winner of 13 Emmys, Rogen plays a specific brand of L.A. doofus — the deluded rich kind. And there’s a schadenfreude in watching Jeff get his comeuppance, forced to live hand-to-mouth like those he previously employed. Rogen smartly calibrates his signature freak-outs for this section, mirroring Ansari’s stressed-out energy in the film’s first act. Once the tables are turned, Ansari gets to play it suave, digging into a romantic subplot with Keke Palmer, who, while well cast as a compassionate and enchanting union advocate, is not given very much to do. While these human dudes are learning what really matters in life, Gabriel gains life lessons of his own. Demoted by heaven to being human, he must find a job, and swiftly picks up bad habits like chain smoking. But as a man, he enjoys non-angel experiences, like dancing and tacos. Reeves is absolutely sensational in these moments of discovery. When waxing poetic about the glory of a milkshake, Reeves plays it straight and is both convincing and sensationally silly. But even when he’s not saying anything, this true movie star knows how to position himself in such a way that is inherently hilarious. Watching a fallen angel take a smoke break, for instance, becomes a simple moment of side-splitting humor. It’s no question that Reeves outshines his costars, but that’s not really a problem. This is a role perfectly suited to his powerful, even otherworldly screen presence. Ansari is definitely in on the joke, pitting his and Rogen‘s deeply flawed mortals against this kind and smoking, hot angel, which results in them only looking like bigger clowns. Undoubtedly, Keanu Reeves as a dopey angel is the film’s hook Good Fortune uses to lure us all in. And it’s an effective one, for as much as I wish there were more in this movie, it’s not a bait and switch. Maybe a better analogy is that Reeves as an angel is the sugar that helps the medicine go down, sugarcoating a political comedy with his divine presence. Overall, the film feels a bit clunky, lacking a sense of flow, but there is a charm to that as well. This is effectively a funny fable asking us to consider what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes. There are consistent laughs and heartwarming moments. As a director, Ansari will probably grow in style. But for a first-time effort, the brilliance he brings to pulling together a cast can’t be denied. Good Fortune is a good time, and Keanu Reeves in Good Fortune should not be missed.Good Fortune was reviewed out of its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film opens in theaters Oct. 17.

Seth Rogen has his finger on the pulse when it comes to satirizing all things Hollywood. Not only is he the face (and co-creator) of the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ comedy The Studio, which hilariously spoofs the art versus commerce of La La Land, but he's also the co-star of Platonic, another critically heralded L.A.-centric comedy series from Apple TV+. But jokes aside, there's a spinoff show I need Rogen and Platonic's creators Nicholas Stoller and Francesca Delbanco to make happen. Episode 8 offers a fake TV show I need to become real. This fictional show-within-a show is called The Young Darcy Mysteries, and it's a conceit so good that I'm shocked Apple TV+ hasn't already produced it. You like Jane Austen? You like Sherlock Holmes? Great. Here's a series that has the potential to scratch that romance and murder mystery itch, which frankly can never be truly satisfied.What is The Young Darcy Mysteries?  Milo Manheim in "Platonic," now streaming on Apple TV+. Credit: Apple TV+ This is the question that Sylvia's (Rose Byrne) husband Charlie (Luke Macfarlane) asks when the stay-at-home mom turned professional party planner lands a gig planning the premiere party for the enticingly titled show. "It's like the biggest show on," their teen daughter Frances (Sophie Leonard) scolds, adding, "It's a prequel to Pride and Prejudice but from the perspective of Mr. Darcy when he was young. Also, Mr. Darcy is a detective, a fencer, a boxer, a dirigible test pilot, and an amateur chemist." Later, Frances will show her dad a spicy scene from the series, in which Young Darcy is in a fencing match where the buttons are snapped off his shirt by his opponent's foil. (Hot). Then he unmasks his opponent to reveal her beautiful face and — gasp — "It's not Emma! It's Lady Putteningham!" And then they kiss. Because of course they do. And it's the stuff of romance novels. Adding sizzle, this fictional show stars Mason Grand (Milo Manheim), a young actor who has women of all ages swooning like the Bennet sisters at a ball. Within the world of Platonic, this show is "very popular." But in the real world? I mean, this seems like easy algorithm math. Please, Apple TV+, make The Young Darcy Mysteries real.  Aidy Bryant in "Platonic," now streaming on Apple TV+. Credit: Apple TV+ Even in Frances' short description, there are clear inspirations from real-life shows that had successful runs. For instance, if you want a sexy detective who blends mystery and romance in a period setting, see Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, the Essie Davis-starring stunner that ran for three seasons before spawning a movie and a spinoff, Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. Or how about Murdoch Mysteries? This Canadian series set in 1800s Toronto centers on a gentleman detective who, like Young Darcy, has an almost comical array of expertise. Running 18 seasons and counting, this show features a investigator who is more brilliant than Sherlock, inventing things like sonar, bulletproof vests, and GPS. Murdoch also casually brushes up against historical figures on a Doctor Who level, including the likes of Nikola Tesla, Mark Twain, and Buffalo Bill Cody. Now add to this trusted formula of sexy detective with an unreasonably long list of skills to the Jane Austen setting. That's Sherlock meets Bridgerton. How has this pitch not been sold already? How are there not already sets in production, fan-casting speculation exploding, and merch in the works for everything from an eyeshadow palette to spyglass earrings and a Hot Topic collection? Apple TV+ has already had success with a playful reinterpretation of classic literature. Just look at Dickinson, which reimagines the poems and life of Emily Dickinson with an irreverent and anachronistic flare and unapologetic queerness. Between Platonic and The Studio, Apple's already got a working relationship with Stoller and Delbanco as well as Rogen, who produces and stars in both comedy series. Next step: bring the writer of this episode, Noah Findling, into the fold, and create a pitch.The outline is there. Pride and Prejudice is in the public domain. Women have spent generations swooning over every version of Mr. Darcy, from Colin Firth to Matthew MacFadyen to Colin Firth again (in Bridget Jones's Diary) to his Bridgerton equivalent, a dashing duke played by Regé-Jean Page. And fans are already giddy over Netflix's upcoming Pride and Prejudice series. There's an audience, seated and waiting to crush hard on Young Darcy, who perhaps isn't jaded yet because he hasn't cracked the case of that wily Wickham. Sure, he'll have flings with the likes of Lady Putteningham or Emma. But the thrill of it all will be wondering what came before he met Lizzie Bennet. Hell, maybe she's even a character, ever on the periphery, teasing the romance that would define them both. Maybe the sequel series picks up after Pride and Prejudice with the two using their immense fortune to do pro bono detective work, pulling a detective double act like Sherlock, The Thin Man, or Moonlighting. Maybe the Emma mentioned is from Austen's book Emma, and this becomes a whole sexy Austen crime universe!? Look, this isn't the Kool-Aid movie. It's Mr. Darcy. This is an idea with potential and appeal that is both timely and timeless. And hey, what a better way to live out the message of Platonic Season 2? In this second season, several characters are taking big swings for their new dreams. Sylvia's building her new career as a party planner with big moves. Charlie shakes things up by pursuing his dream to become a novelist, and fresh from his broken engagement, Will is devoted to his Shitty Little Bar. With each quest, we are all reminded that being middle-aged doesn't mean it's too late to dream big, no matter how silly those dreams may seem to the haters. So, please, Rogen, Stoller, Delbanco, and company, make The Young Darcy Mysteries the next dream come true. Platonic is now streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes each Wednesday.